About Ice Alaska - The Organization

All aboard! Life-size Alaska Railroad Engine No. 85! Sculpted for the Ice Art '97, it was large enough for two adult engineers up top.

Founded in April 1990, to continue the tradition of Ice Sculpting in Interior Alaska. The tradition beganwith the early celebrations of spring involving Ice Thrones for the Winter Carnivals of the 1930s.

The Ice Alaska organization is truly volunteer driven. It is powered by over 90 committees, an eleven member board of directors, and over 300 volunteers. Our annual event hosts over 100 ice artists, representing 9 countries and, many states of the United States. In past years, artists from 45 countries have competed in the BP World Ice Art Championships. The result will be over 100 competition sculptures and exhibition pieces, and the ever-expanding playful ice attractions in the Kids Park.

Who volunteers? Individuals from the communities around interior Alaska, neighborhood businesses, and major corporations. Every year, volunteers travel up from the lower 48 states and have come from as far away as Australia. Volunteers provide the talent and energy to put on the largest sculpting competition in the world. The contribution of time and energy by volunteers is an integral part of Ice Alaska’s successful presentation of the BP World Ice Art Championships. Over 90 committee members manage everything about the event from the ice harvest, communication, registration and feeding the visiting artists, to the financing, marketing and publicity for the event. Ice Alaska conducts year round fund­raising in support of the event.

THE PURPOSES OF ICE ALASKA SET OUT IN THE BYLAWS ARE:

The purposes of this non-profit corporation shall be:Section 1. To promote artistic and educational endeavors using ice, snow, and any other appropriate media.Section 2. To enhance and promote international friendships through cultural and artistic exchange.Section 3. To preserve and display in ice and other media the heritage past, present, and future of all cultures.Section 4. Promote Alaska’s winter activities for the State of Alaska and to encourage winter tourism and other year round economic opportunities.Section 5. To receive gifts, bequests and devises of real and personal property for the support of this organization's goals and purposes.Section 6. And, for other lawful purposes as the membership of this corporation shall direct in conformity with the stated purposes of these By-Laws and as declared in the corporation's Articles of Incorporation. This corporation is organized exclusively for artistic, educational and charitable purposes as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Code Law).Section 7. Upon the dissolution of World Ice Carving Exhibitors Association, Inc the disposition of net proceeds from charitable gaming conducted under AS 05.15, must go to a charitable organization as defined at AS 05.15.690 or another organization that is authorized to conduct an activity under AS 05.15. Other assets shall be distributed in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation.